My first Cooper - update with pics

[SS427]

Just picked up my first Cooper on Friday. I went with the Phoenix stock model 21 in 20 VarTarg. Very impressed with the look, feel, build, and smoothness of the action. Was very surprised at how small the bolt is, and with the three lugs it is a little hard to cock.

Was tempted to get an up-scale wood stock but decided against it as I didn't want to turn it into a safe queen. Glad I didn't. The Phoenix stock is really nice. The hand grip is the perfect size...nice and trim. I was concerned it wouldn't weigh enough, but with the scope I put on it, the weight is right at 10 lbs.

I had talked to a gunsmith about a custom build with a BAT action, but changed my mind at the last minute. I couldn't get the barrel I wanted and the wait time for what I wanted was over 8 months. Plus there was going to be a wait time for a .223 bolt face BAT action that could have been even longer. I saved 50% going with the Cooper, but the Cooper still isn't cheap. The prices on these rifles keep going up along with everything else.

Was able to find brass and bullets, but now I need some H4198 powder. Could be a while before I find out how accurate it is. I have high hopes and doubt I will be disappointed. The test target was really tight.

 

[jonbearman]

Re: My first Cooper

Congrats on the new toy.Try gunbot.com and you may find the powder you need.What kind of velocitys can you get with that rifle or expected velocity.

 

[th82457]

Re: My first Cooper

Congrats on a nice rifle in a great caliber ! You will find several powders will work well in the Vartarg - so if you can find some RL7, H322, AA1680, AA2200 you should be good to go until you find some 4198. Godd Luck and enjoy.

Terry

 

[jonbearman]

Re: My first Cooper

Its a shame you dont live close to me,I would sell you the powder you need to get you started.

 

[Gary in MD]

Re: My first Cooper

Otter,
That sounds like that will be an accurate and fun rifle.
Warning..... They say once you get your first Cooper, you will soon want another. I know this first hand because I'm now waiting on my second one to be built.
Good shooting,
Gary

 

[varmintshooter]

Re: My first Cooper

I love my 20 vt. It is a varminter model 38 ( smaller action ). When I first started working up a load I found 18 gr of h4198 with 39 bk gave a little over 3500 fps with great accuracy but I have backed off to 17.8 gr and switched from cci 400 to rem 7.5's due to pierced primers. I have killed groundhogs with it at 484, 487 and 504 yds. I am sure you will be very happy with your choice of gun and cal. enjoy. Where are you located?

 

[jhord]

Re: My first Cooper

I've been looking at a Model 22 in .308. They sure are pretty. Anything to watch out for? How are the triggers... can they be tuned down sub 1lb?

 

[tenring]

Re: My first Cooper

I bought a Model 22 in 6mmBR 9 twist, and love it, but hate to take it in the fields for chucks just yet. The fired necks measure .270" so I need to skim them.

The owners manual warns not to adjust the trigger. This needs to be done by a qualified gunsmith. Trigger pull on mine would not go below 11 oz according to my smith. At that weight, it still has just a little creep. Trigger is the only negative in the Model 22. Have heard same complaint from other owners.

 

[Dave T]

Re: My first Cooper

Otter,
I bought the exact same Cooper Phoenix that you did a couple years ago, only difference is mine is a 14 twist 6BR. You didn't mention what you intend to do with your Cooper, shoot varmints, paper punch, competition? I like my Cooper a lot and use it in local club matches and have done well with it, but the trigger, in my opinion is not very good. We tried to adjust it down but it's just not a good trigger, I would suggest you order a Jard trigger like I did, made a world of difference. I'll tell you this, I explored buying a full blown custom benchrest gun like you did and got a Cooper instead, now two years later I am waiting on a custom Kelbley 6PPC build, just sayin'. Here is the link to the Jard triggers - http://www.jardinc.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=18&Itemid=29
Good luck with your new gun.
Dave T

 

[vtmarmot]

Re: My first Cooper

I have a Phoenix 21 in 6mm BR with a 1 in 10 twist. It loves 80 grain Berger flat base varmint bullets. I fooled with the trigger and didn't think I was going to get it down to much less than 1.5 pounds. Then I put a teensy bit of moly on the sear and got it to 10 ounces. It will not slam fire and it passes the drop test, whether or not it was taken off safety first.

 

[SS427]

Jon - I'm hoping to hit about 3,500 plus with 32 grain bullets. More interested in lowest possible recoil than speed so I can see my hits. Wish I was close to you...I really need some power soon and you seem like the kind of guy to help someone out. I reside in Oregon.

The trigger on this one seems to be just about right for my needs. I would estimate 2.5 lbs, which is what I want for varmint hunting. From the few dry fires I've done, there is no creep and breaks cleanly.

Dave - I have a couple custom rifles in 6BR and 6PPC. Since this gun is for varmints, I wanted the stock Cooper supplied. Also, this is an unknow caliber for me, so decided at the last minute I didn't want to drop over three grand into a full custom until I'm confident the caliber is worth it. I have little doubt it won't live up to expectations, and if it does, I will be ordering a full custom in a hunter style benchrest stock.

 

[Dave T]

Otter,
Well I would say you have a very good gun for your needs, and I too feel it will more then adequately fill your needs. Coopers are really nice guns, I actually have two Coopers and although they are a little pricey, I feel they are a very good buy for what you get.
Dave T
One other thing, my bolt lift is kinda hard also.

 

[th82457]

You will be able to see your hits with the Vartarg, felt recoil in non-existent. I would try some RL-7 or H322 if you can find either - both shoot as well and sometimes better than 4198 in my Vartarg. This could become your favorite rifle.

 

[mtang45]

Congrats on the Cooper! If it shoots like mine you are going to have a very long and joyful relationship.

 

[SS427]

Sadly, no RL-7 or H322. Or H335. N133 is the closest I have to the right burn rate and I'm sure it is too slow for 32 grain bullets.

Here it is in a varmint hunting line-up with a Ruger 17 HMR, a Wby .223 and Remington .223. Regardless of which becomes the favorite, the sage rats are in for a world of hurt this spring.